The Maritime Safety Committee resumes its technical work this week, with its 102nd session (MSC 102) meeting in virtual session (4-11 November). The Committee will focus its work on reviewing the work of the IMO Sub-Committees and adoption of a number of previously approved amendments to mandatory instruments.

Technical matters under consideration will include the latest audits under the Goal Based Standards (GBS) Verification Audit Programme, draft interim guidelines related to the safety of ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel, draft interim guidelines for the second-generation intact stability criteria, ship routeing measures, draft revised guidelines for vessel traffic services; and draft amendments to the STCW Convention and Code.

The MSC will also consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular on the seafarers. This follows the adoption in September of an MSC resolution (read more here) on Recommended action to facilitate ship crew change, access to medical care and seafarer travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, which urges specific action to address crew changes, including designating seafarers as key workers with access to the necessary safe travel arrangements.

The Maritime Safety Committee 102nd session was opened by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and is being chaired by Mr. Brad Groves (Australia).